Argentina | Road Scholar Trip Extension: Buenos Aires Tunnels Day Tour

From the hotel you will head to San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods. This area is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Your first stop is the Zanjón de Granados, an archaeological site revealing four centuries of urban history. Discovered in the 1980s beneath a 19th-century Italian-style house, the site features a labyrinth of tunnels, cisterns, and remnants of colonial structures. After exploring the Zanjón, cross the street to view Casa Mínima, the narrowest house in Buenos Aires, measuring just 2.5 meters in width. Strolling through San Telmo's historic streets, you will encounter several bares notables, establishments recognized for their architectural and cultural significance. Next, visit the Church of San Ignacio de Loyola, the oldest standing church in Buenos Aires. During the visit, explore the Old Cloister, climb the south tower, and see the tunnels beneath the church. These tunnels, called the San Ignacio tunnels, run 3–6 meters underground and once connected the fort, the Cabildo, the convents, and the church, either for defense or possibly smuggling. Concluding your tour, visit La Puerto Rico. Situated near Plaza de Mayo, this has been a gathering place for notable figures in Argentine culture and history. Its Art Deco interiors and storied ambiance provide the perfect setting to savor traditional roasted coffee.